The Importance of Friendship for Alzheimer's Patients

Many longtime friends are facing tough decisions as more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, reports the Wall Street Journal . "It's difficult for people to see the changes in their friends. They don't know what to say and do," says Concordia University Professor Darla Fortune. A study in Dementia found that those who maintained long-term friendships with Alzheimer's-afflicted people often mentioned keeping to familiar and comfortable places. Beth Kallmyer with the Alzheimer's Association says it helps for people in the early stages of the disease to let close friends know. Among the strategies recommended for people continuing friendships with people with Alzheimer's is to not be afraid of the afflicted friend being silent at times. Those engaging with Alzheimer's patients should notice what interests them, what makes them happy, and what makes them uncomfortable. Calling and visiting often also is recommended.